Teen Counselor

**About Us**:
**The Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA)** is a non-profit organization dedicated to working alongside Autistic people and their families. Since 1997, CFASA has made it its mission to provide Autistic people with meaningful and responsive supports that prioritize each person's autonomy and equal access to opportunities. Our organization serves Autistic individuals over their lifespan. We make it our practice to listen to the community and co-create supports that meet their needs. We partner with families, communities, schools and workplaces to reduce barriers, so that Autistic people can access the activities and spaces that are important to them. We advocate for authentic inclusion, equality, and Neurodiversity Affirming Supports across all of our programs. Our organization is built by and for Autistic people, and we have committed to continuous improvement and learning.

We are a neuro-inclusive employer, and we know that attracting employees from diverse identities makes our work better. If you share our values and our enthusiasm to empower Autistic individuals and their families to thrive, you will find a great career at CFASA. We welcome the unique contributions future staff can bring in terms of their education, opinions, neurotype, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

Teen Counselors will provide individualized and group-based support to a group of teens as they participate in interest-based community programming. Counselors will have the opportunity to empower teen participants to explore, learn, and enjoy new experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

**Responsibilities**:

- Work closely with the teen program coordinator and community partners to implement fun and engaging activities related to the weekly interest based programming
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where campers feel valued and encouraged to try new things, ensuring camper safety at all times
- Support teens with engagement if/when they are feeling distressed
- Communicate effectively with teens, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members
- Prepare materials as needed to provide support to campers
- Assist with daily programming set up and clean up

**Qualifications**:

- Education or experience in the following areas: recreation management, education, disability studies, psychology, etc
- Previous experience working with Autistic teens and/or other developmental disabilities in a group setting
- Comfortable supporting teen participants with basic self-care tasks if required (handwashing, changing in to bathing suits)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and environments
- Comfortable supporting participants with swimming and water-based play in a pool/recreational setting
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Criminal Record Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Child Intervention Record Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training provided during orientation

**As these positions are funded through the Canada Summer Job Grant, applicants are required to:

- be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment; legally entitled to work in Canada

Rate: $20/hour

Dates of employment: June 23, 2025 to August 15, 2025

June 23 to 27: orientation training (35 hours/week)

June 30 to August 15: (40 hours/week)

**Please note: Availability to work all weeks of camp is required**

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you’re passionate about working with autistic individuals, and any relevant certifications

**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

Pay: $20.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Are you available for all weeks of camp?
- How many years of experience do you have working with children or youth?

**Education**:

- Secondary School (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-02
Expected start date: 2025-06-23